Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pangloss

noun

/ˈpænɡlɒs/

Definition

A person who is excessively optimistic, often in a naive or impractical way.

Examples

Despite the challenges ahead, she remained a true pangloss, convinced that everything would turn out fine.
He was criticized for his pangloss attitude, especially when the problems were evident.

Meaning

The term ‘pangloss’ is derived from the character Dr. Pangloss in Voltaire’s satirical novel ‘Candide’. It represents someone who believes that everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds, regardless of any evidence to the contrary.